Labour Day

It was the Second International, an organisation of socialist and labour parties, that declared May 1 as the International Worker’s Day ???? in 1889. May 1 was chosen as the date for International Worker’s Day to commemorate the Haymarket Riot in Chicago in 1886. The Haymarket Riot, which was a violent confrontation between police and labour protesters, soon became a symbol of workers’ rights across the world. While the massacre itself occurred on May 4, the protest that led up to it – a PEACEFUL rally in support of workers striking for an eight-hour workday – began on May 1.

Traditionally, May 1 was associated with a rural pagan festival celebrating the arrival of spring, across Europe. However, over the years, the day has come to be recognised for its association with the LLABOUR MOVEMENT.” (Source: NDTV.com)

In 1955, an additional feast day was declared by Pope Pius XII and is celebrated on May 1 as the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. This date is also International Workers’ Day and believed to reflect Joseph as the patron saint of workers.

For us in Singapore and Malaysia it is always a PUBLIC HOLIDAY.

Many of us think May 1 is “celebrated” all over the world but it is not. For e.g. in the UK and some territories in Australia it is it the first Monday of May. But I believe in South Australia and New South Wales it happens to be the first Monday in October. In New Zealand, it is on the fourth Monday of October.

Interestingly whilst 160 countries around the world have adopted May 1 as a day to commemorate “working people”, Labour Day in the US is on the first Monday in September. ✨

For us in a post-pandemic world – WHAT DOES IT MEAN to consider the rights and the welfare of “people who labour”?

There are those that are gainfully employed working in such changed working environments that have not yet stabilised. Even 2 years post. So many are still in flux.

What does it mean to be championing for those that are in the process of losing jobs and livelihoods. For those struggling to cope with increasing changes happening via AI and digitalisation, all accelerated in the last two years?

And if we lose these jobs to machines then how do we gainfully train and re-employ and/or tap into the wisdom and skills of those transitioning?

Questions for all of us to ponder on, on a day we celebrate those that labour. What are your questions…ideas….or thoughts?